Billy Penn11%
Despite changes at Philly’s President’s House, the city is rich with other stories of Black history 2%
By Violet Comber-Wilen8%
7/30/2026, 2:35:01 AM
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African American history has always had a place in Philly – the city is home to the founding spot for the African Methodist Episcopal denomination at the Mother Bethel A.M.E.
Church, the country’s first major museum devoted to Black American history African American Museum in Philadelphia , and includes stops along the Underground Railroad .
The city was also home to many civil rights icons including Ona Judge, George Washington’s former slave who famously escaped , Caroline LeCount, who worked to desegregate public transit and make a place for Black Americans in the education field, pioneering opera singer Marian Anderson , and Cecil B.
Moore, an NAACP leader who fought school segregation.
The Trump administration brought national attention to Philly’s African American history earlier this year when it fought to change how the history of people held as slaves by George Washington on Independence Mall by removing panels on the exhibit.
A park policeman stands guard over newly installed panels at the President’s House historic site on Independence Mall.
”Celebrating Independence Throughout the Years” has replaced ”The Dirty Business of Slavery.”
(Emma Lee/WHYY)
While the panels were replaced recently, this left many questioning how history can be influenced by politics.
Here’s a list of other places African American history is displayed around the city.
These museums, walking tours, cultural institutions and exhibits offer many ways to explore the impact African Americans had on the founding of the city.
In Historic Germantown
Historic Germantown is the site of lots of African American history in Philly.
Once a settlement of German immigrants, the area eventually housed many abolitionists, civil rights activists and even spots related to the Underground Railroad.
Germantown is now a thriving cultural neighborhood full of museums and historic homes.
Historic Germantown is a partnership of many of these organizations, and visiting the partnered organizations within it offers an opportunity to immerse yourself in Black history, said Tuomi Forrest, the executive director of the organization.
“It’s history that affects everyone and culture that’s important to everyone,” he said.
“Everyone living in this country can come see this history to understand who we are and why we are where we are as a society and country.”
Forrest said there are several sites you can visit within this area.
Seven generations of the Chew family lived at Cliveden which once ran as a plantation that relied on enslaved labor.
It was donated to the National Trust for Historic Preservation in 1972.
(File/BP) Credit: R.
Kennedy / Visit Philadelphia
This historical home was the site of the Revolutionary Battle of Germantown in 1777 and the house of Benjamin Chew, a local attorney who eventually passed on the house to the next seven generations of the Chew family.
The site also used to be a plantation that relied on slaves and much of the documentation from the house and the Chew family gives insight into the network of people held as slaves in the Mid-Atlantic.
The home now allows visitors to learn more about American history, and the complicated relationship between slavery and the rise to the nation.
“Cliveden has really refocused a lot of its interpretation around enslavement stories and the stories of people that lived there beyond just the famous families,” Forrest said.
It is open Thursday to Sunday from 12-4 p.m.
Walk-ins are welcome, but reservations are encouraged.
The Concord School House and Upper Burying Ground of Germantown
This cemetery and schoolhouse are two of the oldest of their kinds – and house a lot of Philadelphia history.
The Upper Burying Ground is one of the oldest cemeteries in the Philadelphia region – housing Philadelphians of all races and religious backgrounds.
The Concord School House is a 19th -century schoolroom – and one of the only surviving schoolhouses of its kind.
Both sites are believed to be places of integration during periods of segregation and slavery.
The Concord School House was known as a meeting place for abolitionist activity, and seemed to have references to integrated schoolrooms as well.
The spaces are open Fridays and Saturdays from 12-4 p.m.
Walk-ins are welcome.
The Concord School House and Upper Burying Ground of Germantown.
(Photo courtesy of Historic Germantown)
The Johnson House Historic Site
This historic site is one of the few publicly available Underground Railroad Stations in Philly.
The home housed five generations of the Johnson family, Quakers who were active in the antislavery movement in the 1700s and 1800s.
At this spot, you can find various slavery artifacts, explore the home and attic where people who escaped took refuge on their Underground Railroad journeys, and learn through history lectures, art shows and special programs.
“They’re also really interested in bringing that sense of social justice to present day issues,” Forrest said.
“So they do a lot of work on contemporary social justice topics.
It’s also the site that manages the Philadelphia Juneteenth Festival, which was the first officially recognized Juneteenth Festival in the city.
And oftentimes at that festival, they’ll have panel discussions and topics of contemporary justice issues.”
The space is open on Fridays and Saturdays from 12-4 p.m.
This site is one of the most well-preserved historic houses in Philly, and is the spot for the only monument in Philly that is dedicated to a formerly enslaved woman.
The house was once home to James Logan, former secretary to William Penn.
It was passed through six generations of Logans and during this time, it was also home to a variety of enslaved, indentured and free laborers.
A visit to the home provides a look into early Pennsylvania life with a mix of furniture, artifacts and Logan family objects.
You can also discover the Dinah Memorial – which helps to celebrate the life of one of the Logan family’s former slaves, Dinah, who had much of her life chronicled in Logan family journals.
It is open Tuesday-Thursday from 1-4 p.m. and Friday & Saturday from 12-4 p.m.
Walk-ins are welcome.
The Black Writer’s Museum
This site provides a look into Black literature and its authors, with rare newspapers, autographed books, journals, magazines, manuscripts and more.
“It has a collection of thousands of books, pamphlets, ephemera, musical pressings, exhibits and public programming,” Forrest said.
You can explore the space through an educational tour, participate in a workshop or lecture, or use its archives and library to do research and learn more about Black writers.
Located in the historic Vernon House in Vernon Park, the space is open to the public on Wednesday to Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
It is open on Mondays and Tuesdays by appointment only.
The Colored Girls Museum
This memoir museum describes itself as honoring “the stories, experiences and history of the ordinary colored girl.
This research facility, exhibition space and gathering place just launched its newest exhibit, which has turned the museum into a “talismanic temple.”
“It is really more focused on contemporary artistic expression, especially by Black women artists locally, regionally and nationally,” Forrest said.
This unique museum features artifacts, art, furniture and more.
The museum is open Friday and Saturday from 12-4 p.m.
Reservations are required.
Lest We Forget Museum of Slavery
This museum extensively documents the history of slavery in America through artifacts like Jim Crow signs and alligator bait novelties.
“It is a collection that was put together over many decades of items and material related to enslavement in this country, especially a lot of original iron hardware,” Forrest said.
The museum’s mission is centered around telling the legacy of slavery and drawing awareness to the race-based slavery in America and its lasting effects.
The museum welcomes visitors by appointment only.
It is open on Tuesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from 12-4 p.m.
Aces Veterans Museum
This museum celebrates the minority veterans of World War II through a series of artifacts, photos and exhibitions.
The museum has a space dedicated to African American war history – including interactive displays, uniforms and weaponry from wartime, photos and more.
“This is a museum that has a very specific focus on the Black participants in World War II, as well as participation by other minority groups and women, so really people that often get left out of the narrative and the story in World War II era history,” Forrest said.
They are open on Monday to Thursday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
It is highly recommended that you book a tour in advance on their Plan Your Visit page.
The Marian Anderson House was built in 1857 and purchased by Anderson with money she made touring in 1924.
(Kimberly Paynter/WHYY) Credit: Kimberly Paynter / WHYY
There are many museums in other parts of the city that also celebrate the African American legacy and history.
Here are a few.
Paul Robeson House & Museum
Paul Robeson was a man of many talents.
As an actor, author, scholar, singer and civil rights activist, he made an impact on Philly that is still embodied in the museum and educational institution that used to be his home.
The museum hosts tours of an exhibit called “Paul Robeson: Up Close and Personal” – which has paintings, books, photos, record albums and other artifacts celebrating Robeson’s life and educating visitors on his legacy.
The museum is also a space for art and music shows, community meetings and other events.
The museum is open Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
National Constitution Center
You can explore African American history and how it relates to the founding of our nation at the first and only museum dedicated to the U.S.
Constitution.
The museum’s “We the People” theme offers exhibits, live shows and performances to allow visitors to learn more about the Constitution and how it impacts the nation today.
Its Civil War and Reconstruction: The Battle for Freedom and Equality exhibit highlights civil rights heroes like Fredrick Douglass and Harriet Tubman, shows what life was like for those fighting for the end of slavery and explores the constitutional amendments that ended slavery.
Other exhibits include a look into the First Amendment and the fight for women’s suffrage.
The museum is closed on Monday and Tuesday, and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Wednesday to Sunday.
National Liberty Museum
This Old City museum educates visitors about the freedoms Americans have and the ongoing struggles to maintain and define them throughout history.
The museum features a lot of African American history – including The Heroes of Liberty from Around the World exhibit, which features civil rights icons like Nelson Mandela.
The museum is open Saturday to Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Wednesday to Friday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
National Marian Anderson Museum
Marian Anderson was a famous musician in the 1900s who performed in many major musical venues throughout the U.S. and Europe.
But she often had to fight for her rights as a Black woman during this time.
The National Marian Anderson Museum is based in Anderson’s former home in Philly – where she would frequently host social gatherings.
In 2024, the Kimmel Center honored Anderson by renaming the home of the Philadelphia Orchestra in honor of the late singer , Civil Rights icon and Philadelphia legend.
The home chronicles Anderson’s life, with rare photos, books, memorabilia and artifacts about her life.
The museum is open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
You must call to make a reservation for tours.
African American Museum in Philly
The African American Museum in Philly is celebrating its 50-year anniversary this year .
The museum’s focus at the moment is questioning what it means to create a future for Black history, said Dr.
Michael K.
Wilson, a curator at the museum.
“People in the neighborhood that come to the museum get to see aspects of themselves in really unique ways, and it’s for all ages,” he said.
“Someone who’s older can appreciate Pearl Bailey, or you can walk into the Ruth Carter exhibition and someone younger may appreciate LeBron James’s Fortnite costume [that’s on display].”
There are several unique exhibits right now.
One exhibit, called “ Who Is Ona Judge?
” highlights the life of Ona Judge, who was a former slave of George Washington who found her freedom by escaping.
Another, called “ Ruth E.
Carter: Afrofuturism in Costume Design,” celebrates the life of an award-winning Black costume designer who has created costumes for the Black Panther and Selma.
“Another exhibit is by Carolyn Quick, who is actually a UArts alum, and she curated a beautiful exhibition, and that is called A League Apart, which celebrates the Negro Leagues, but particularly Philadelphia’s impact on the Negro Leagues,” Wilson said.
“You get a chance to learn about Ed Bolden, who held the first Negro League World Series.
You also get to learn about baseball teams like the Philadelphia Stars, in addition to Octavius Catto , who, in addition to being one of our hometown civil rights champions, also founded one of the first Negro League teams through the Philadelphia Pythians.”
Wilson said the museum ultimately hopes all Philadelphians and visitors can see themselves in the exhibits, and learn more about African American history through a historical lens.
“It’s our goal to create experiences where people can develop an appreciation for the Black experience and do that through various forms of storytelling and historical witness through art and objects, but also being housed right here in Philadelphia, we want to find ways to connect these narratives to the local community, so people in the community can see themselves in these exhibitions and see themselves within these programs,” he said.
You can visit the AAMP on Wednesdays from 12-5 p.m. and Thursday to Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Underground Railroad Museum at Belmont Mansion
A guided or self-guided tour of this museum allows visitors to see historical artifacts and hear stories about the site’s importance during the Underground Railroad.
You can also learn more about the lives of the 18th and 19th century people associated with the Belmont Mansion, including founders like George Washington and James Madison, or Judge Richard Peters – an adamant abolitionist.
The museum is open on Tuesday to Thursday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Richard Allen Museum and Mother Bethel A.M.E.
Church
This museum has loads of history as the oldest continuously owned property by African Americans in the U.S.
A visit to the museum allows you to explore more about the life of Bishop Richard Allen, the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church (also the first independent Black denomination in the U.S.).
You can also discover artifacts dating back to the early 1700s and learn about Black excellence throughout history.
You can request a tour of the museum on weekdays by appointment only .
The museum is open for a self-guided experience every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and every Sunday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The Mother Bethel A.M.E.
Church is also an active worship place – hosting an in-person service and virtual worship every Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and prayer every morning at 7 a.m. via Zoom.
The historic Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church in Philadelphia.
(Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)
If you’re looking for a guided tour of multiple locations, Philly is full of options!
We put together a list of a few you can choose from.
The Black Journeys Tours
This Old City group offers a variety of tours centered around different Black history icons, monuments and civil rights themes.
Their signature Original Black History Tour lets you visit sites like Congo Square, which has unmarked graves of free and enslaved victims of yellow fever, Mother Bethel AME Church and more.
You also get to hear about other abolitionists, slaveholders and enslaved people as you explore the city for an hour and a half.
Their Reparations tour has visitors learn more about how slavery affected the American economy and what early historical sites related to slave trade and slavery.
Another option, the Ona Judge’s Philadelphia tour, allows you to see historical sites in Old City through the lens of Ona Judge, an enslaved woman who escaped from George Washington’s control.
They host their signature Original Black History Walking Tour every Saturday at 2 p.m. and add additional tours based on availability, or requested appointments.
You can find out more info here.
Philadelphia Historic African American Tours
This tour group provides longer, year-round tours of African American history throughout the city.
Tours with this group are appointment-only, and you can find contact information here.
Kennett Underground Railroad Center Tours
Slightly outside of Philly, this tour group leads visitors between well-documented Underground Railroad sites, historic homes and Quaker Meetinghouses while learning about abolitionists and civil rights activists in the Kennett Square area.
Tours last about 2 hours and 15 minutes and tickets are $30 for those aged 14 and up, and $15 for those 14 and under.
The tour is available only on specific dates, although groups of over 10 can book reservations outside of this time here.
There are also many Black-owned businesses to support in the area – including Hakim’s Bookstore, one of the oldest Black-owned bookstores in the country, and sci-fi and comic book store Multiverse.
The post Despite changes at Philly’s President’s House, the city is rich with other stories of Black history appeared first on Billy Penn at WHYY .
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